Celtic Diary Thursday November 8: Get Intae Them: A Tactical Special

Tonights game is as big as it gets so far this season. Effectively, anything other than a win will end Celtics European campaign.

Yesterday, Uralius previewed the game in depth, and we can now confidently expect to get a result as it does appear Brendan Rodgers has read the piece…

Brendan Rodgers confirms Youssuf Mulumbu recall for Celtic

The manager said;

“He trained this week and is back in the squad.”

Whilst Uralius has clearly spent a lot of time analysing the game , and has reached his conclusions after much careful consideration, we wondered what the paid professional analysts thought…

Celtic have to win, a draw’s no good for me so they have to go after this but that leaves them open at the back and Leipzig are dangerous when given space to run in to on the counter-attack. They also had a great result at the weekend and they can get a point from the trip to Glasgow.

Charlie predicts: 2-2 ()

Charlie Nicholas of Sky Sports more or less guaranteeing a result for Celtic there.

Incidentally, some people are saying Sky are about to offer £30m a year for exclusive rights to Scottish football.

Its being described as a big offer but frankly its still quite derisory, and we can only hope that BT come back with a better deal.

Its around half what they pay the bottom club in Englands EPL per annum, and reflects exactly what they think of Scottish football. They’re only interested in Celtic v “rangers “, and when considering their offer, the clubs should remember that.

Don’t forget, they will include a clause that guarantees them four of these games a year, which is unethical.

BT sport have tonights game, and they put a lot more effort into promoting and presenting their programmes, and should all else be fairly equal, they should be given the nod.

There were no new injuries after training yesterday, which will come as a relief to the gaffer, but there is still a tricky bus ride down to the ground to negotiate.

I’d expect the team to be unchanged from the Hearts win, although Mulumbu could deputise for Ntcham, who hasn’t been at his best.

And I’m going for 3-1, with Oddsone Edoaurd to score first.

The manager has outlined how he wants us to play it..

“Leipzig are a very good team,”

If you are looking man for man, they’re better than us. Simple. That’s why they’re third in the Bundesliga and why they’ll be challenging in domestic and, probably, European competition.

“But, for us, we always have to be about the collective.

“The thing for us is, OK, we might be playing against a very good squad. But we still have to go and show our true face. If we play how we can and lose, OK, that can happen.

“But let’s make sure you’re not timid with it. You don’t give up space easily. You fight and you get up tight to player. You give good players the chance to play and they will play. So you’ve got to get right in amongst it, press the game and have that same feeling that you do domestically.

“It would be a great win. I think we have to do everything we can to try and do it. We go into the game really confident and in a good way and with the support behind us, which is huge for us. I think I said before it all started that I felt the home games were going to be critical for us.

“If we get a win then we still have an opportunity. If we don’t then it is extremely difficult. I think we have to maximise our opportunity and if we can do that and win our next two games then we will have given ourselves every chance.”

What he’s really saying is..

There’s no prizes for guessing who Liepzig will try to negate tonight, and the manager explained why..

“Tom gives the team a different dynamic in terms of how he plays.

“He doesn’t move so much, which actually helps because he can find space.

“Tom has this incredible quality of standing still and knows where to stand. That’s what he does. He conserves his energy well, so that when he doesn’t have it he can press the game.

Rogic doesn’t seem to feel pressure, and that seems to fit with the managers thoughts…

“Everyone always associates pressure with a negative. I’ve always tried to say that it’s positive, it’s great, let’s go and enjoy it, see if we can get the three points.”

With the ball, move it quickly and accurately.

Without the ball, stop them from moving it quickly and accurately.

Piece of piss this management lark.

One man who won’t be involved tonight is Daniel Arzani, who tweeted yesterday to confirm the extent of his injury picked up in Dundee..

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to show support and love. Unfortunately I will need an ACL Op, ruling me out till next season! This is a tough time for me but also a chance to improve and come out of this better than ever! Love you all!

He’ll be like a new signing just in time for the next UCL qualifiers. The things that man Lawwell does to avoid spending a few quid.

Elsewhere, and it appears that Steven Gerrard is indeed working his ticket…

He’s not wearing a poppy…on television.

They’ll go doo lally, and he’ll be able to get out of Dodge before the sherriff turns up.

Although they have had a word with him, and during tonights Europa League game, he’ll be suitably attired..

Over in a dublin tv studio, a former manager and EBT recipient forgot to remember as well…

The Transfer Tavern is one of those websites which likes to offer what is loosely termed “clickbait “, to encourage “hits ” so that advertisers will pay them money.

A sort of internet tabloid, with news merely a secondary feature.

In an late but fairly convincing entry for this weeks

Etims Knob of the Week

a chap called Bill McLoughlin managed to convince his publishers that this article would raise a few quid…

Although we’re not quite halfway through the seasons, it’s not far-fetched to say that Steven Gerrard has completely transformed Rangers this year.

After years of Celtic dominance, it now looks as though The Gers will be able to compete with their arch-rivals. While winning a title might be too early this season, in the next few years Rangers should be back at the top of the table and competing for as much silverware as possible.

In Gerrard, they have a new, young and hungry manager who has started to embed a playing style at the club and looks as though he’s made some superb signings over the summer, namely loanees Ryan Kent and Lassana Coulibaly.

After four crippling years in the lower divisions, it was always going to take time for Rangers to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership. Financially, Rangers can’t compete with Celtic but according to their latest financial results, The Gers are in a much better place than before.

The Breakdown

Rangers announced losses of more than £14 million between June 2017 and 2018. On the other hand, their revenue has grown by 50% to £32.7 million although that is nothing in comparison to Celtic’s revenue for the past year which was registered at £101.6 million.

Moreover, Rangers’ revenue over the last six seasons is almost £300 million less than their city rivals. While the financial disparity looks pretty bleak, with Rangers back in Europe and competing at the top of the table, their financial position should strengthen over the next few years as more revenue begins to come in.

I can only assume that he thinks losing 14m is twice as good as losing 7m.

And as for this idea of more revenue ?

Perhaps they’re going to have a whip round.

Or have their board of directors roundly whipped. Which would probably raise more if they sold the tv rights.

Caption : John Brown of dead Rangers showing us how he earned his nickname. Pictured here on his way to Ibrox to demand ‘The Deeds’

AlzyerpalNovember 8, 2018 at 4:48 pm ·

Apologies to the real Anton Rogan. Didn’t spot your post. Sorry!

MikeNovember 8, 2018 at 5:36 pm ·

Caption, On my new pseudonym Una, PHOOOAAAARRR.

MikeNovember 8, 2018 at 5:43 pm ·

DUCK, Toilet Duck, you know him the wan who disny gie a Fuck, he phoned and gave me his prediction, he’s the wan that looks like an octopus, Fred, that’s his name, 2-0 to the Celtic tonight. COYBIG.

MikeNovember 8, 2018 at 5:48 pm ·

Never mind the cauld, never mind the fairy lights, never mind Mr. Negativity and Get It Right Up Them, Heeds Doon an CCHHAAARRGGEEE.

MontiNovember 8, 2018 at 5:58 pm ·

Good luck to the Bhoys tonight, quietly confident of a 2-1 win!

Hail Hail!

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 7:05 pm ·

If it comes to a head to head with Leipzig (not that I think Salzburg would put out a weakened side in the last game if we are tying with them going into it ) we need to put 3 past them surely?

jimmybeeNovember 8, 2018 at 6:15 pm ·

Sevco have issued a statement which calls into question the integrity of the referee.
Will the refs go on strike in support of Wullie ?
Nah don’t think so either.

The ChaNovember 8, 2018 at 6:26 pm ·

“It is understood that a number of people within the Scottish FA are in no doubt Collum’s judgment was flawed and Rangers shall also now be submitting a formal complaint about the performance of this referee,” a club statement read.

Bless me father…..I just watched a few minutes of the scum game, ye want tae see Spartak, fuckin’ MINCE. That scum are landin’ on their feet in Europe but still, it’s only a matter of time until their past really catches up with them and they’re consigned to the sewers of hell.

Watching that scum has hurt my nervous system, but it’s my own fault; I really should no better.
Can’t wait for us to kick off and just hope we go for it. Difference is we’re playing a proper football team but I still fancy our chances with the right concentration at the back and a positive attitude going forward.
COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN
HH

TicTocNovember 8, 2018 at 7:52 pm ·

YYyyyyyyeeesssss!
FT Spartak 4-3 Sevco.
Let’s get the ‘double’.
HH

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 7:53 pm ·

Seriously how shite was the defending in the Spartak Hun game?
Fucking brutal.
They won all the same 🙂
Phase 1 of if Carlsberg did a Europa Night complete now onto Phase 2 …

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 8:52 pm ·

Very good first half from the Bhoys a much better showing against a dangerous side.
Don’t think Rogic has had a very good game so far so hopefully he has a game of two halves and puts a show on.
Édouard has done really well I think amd shown some excellent hold up play at times though I think if he had looked up and squared to Jamesie we might be 2 up?
Tierney and Lustig have been excellent supporting the attack.
Hope this continues.

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 8:57 pm ·

Aye I’m very happy with what has been going on. Christie is doing well in there which makes me very happy! Edouard has managed to run at the defenders although playing with his back to goal hasn’t been amazing and I wish he would at least pretend to jump for headers (if Jamesie can do it so can he). Agree with the rest of your comments although I think they have identified Rogic as a dangerman and are dealing with him as such, I think if he pushed up a little bit more then dropped back into the channels he will have more success.

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 8:52 pm ·

bloody hard watching the match from work. All the commentary is in German and noo it’s half time I feel like I should be awa getting a beer fae the fridge and picking oot ma second half Malt, but no. COYBIG!

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 8:55 pm ·

Tell me you work at the Weihenstephaner Brewery and make me REALLYYYYYY jealous 🙂

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 8:59 pm ·

Naw I’m closer to the High Point Brewing Company.

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 9:57 pm ·

We have a couch in the shift room, but it’s not very big. Those last few minutes after our return goal I was behind the couch watching the game through my fingers. Well done lads!

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 9:57 pm ·

Now that’s a Celtic performance in Europe.
Marvelous result.
We need to follow that up with another result against Salzburg .

MontiNovember 8, 2018 at 10:01 pm ·

Told y’all……2-1

That was fucking magic!

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 10:07 pm ·

monti did you see Sinclair’s low left footed cross for the second goal… OK it was via Christie, but I’m claiming that!

Well done Bhoys outstanding defending, was reading something about a lad that likes his scran, I’ve a massive humble pie in the larder, anyone?

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 10:05 pm ·

Yeah we can expect Salzburg to roll over to Leipzig. What with the Red Bull connection.

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 10:39 pm ·

If we could just get a result against Salzburg that would put a cat among the pigeons .
I should think UEFA will be hoping it doesn’t come down to the last set of games?
Could be very awkward for them.

Yoker BhoyNovember 8, 2018 at 10:08 pm ·

Superhuman effort and valient fighting performance to get those 3 points against a very difficult team so well done bhoys!!! Plenty of high drama and a nerve-racking last few minutes but we got there and we’re now in with a real shout. I reckon 4 points from the last 2 games will probably be enough to go through. MOTM? A toss up between KT and French Eddy. Tonight confirms our recent vast improvement. Oh, and nice one Spartak!!!

HH

Charlie SaizNovember 8, 2018 at 10:45 pm ·

I think we have a genuine replacement for Broonie in McGregor now at Celtic.
That McGinn fuck up is beginning to look like a blessing in disguise to me am not sure what anyone else thinks though?
I fully expect teams to start monitoring McGregors form and the media to start punting him big time over Christmas.
Callum is turning into a genuine Celtic star.
I think Lawwell should put a cheeky £1m bid in for the wee hun left winger Middleton and test squinties resolve 🙂

Just for a laugh…

charlieNovember 8, 2018 at 11:08 pm ·

donnchadh middleton couldnae get in our reserves

Charlie SaizNovember 9, 2018 at 12:58 am ·

There’s a player there Charlie mark my words he will be snapped up soon enough.

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 2:19 am ·

ha ha ha ha dis yer team need the money donnchadh

charlieNovember 8, 2018 at 11:03 pm ·

well a think we can safely say the champions are back personally ile have another treble this year and attack europe next season COYBIG

BroxburnBhoyNovember 8, 2018 at 11:26 pm ·

A very handy nights work. Well done Brendan and the Bhoys. Confidence is flowing again and players playing to their potential. This is a very good win in a full house in Europe against a team 4th in the German league. No mugs. I wonder how the MSM will try and spin this one

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 11:31 pm ·

Oh we are going out of Europe on head to head and goal difference don’t you know.

charlieNovember 8, 2018 at 11:35 pm ·

the red bullshitters ar worth the watchin imo

UraliusNovember 8, 2018 at 11:52 pm ·

Some MSM scum: ….. level on points with RB Leipzig, but they do have that very important head to head goal difference…. how confident are you that Celtic can do that and progress?

Brendan Rodgers: Well typical Scottish isn’t it? Always bring a negative onto a positive night (MSM scum interjects “it is true though”) The most important thing is to win, and win well.

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 12:10 am ·

we are a different team since the start ae the season the way the group is lookin a think weel win our last two games but it might no be enough

UraliusNovember 9, 2018 at 12:16 am ·

Typical Scottish isn’t it too being a negative to a positive. 🙂

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 12:49 am ·

the light show wis great anaw the night but alas some daft cunt thinks we shouldnae link it

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 12:54 am ·

am no wan for calling cunts cunts but the moderator is a cunt

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 1:03 am ·

efter watchin the game again …if we get oot this group weel win the fucker COYBIG

UraliusNovember 9, 2018 at 1:19 am ·

Charlie one game at a time, but if we get out of the group we will likely end up meeting one of those 3rd place teams from the Champions League. I fancy our chances against most of them. Then after that it’s the roll of the dice who we get. I like your new found positivity though!

charlieNovember 9, 2018 at 2:12 am ·

uranus am a tim and positivity comes wae the territory but yer rght aboot wan thing ..if we get oot this group it belangs tae us ………….ur you the moderator

Iancelt67November 9, 2018 at 2:59 am ·

Great game. Christie outstanding. Rogic gets that pass right it’s 3-1. Sinclair with his one on one they had two great chances. Brilliant game. Nerve wracking stuff. Everyone played well though that looked like Lustig man for their header got to get those right. Give Leicester the money for Benkovic and make him the highest earner. What a player. We are a chance. Salzburg haven’t qualified yet. I can’t see a repeat of the 82 Austria v Germany game. Watched a bit of the rangers game. Their defence is terrible the only player who would have a shadow of a chance of making Celtics team is Candeias. Feel good game today everything to play for.